Windows 10: Make windows boot from SSD while all other files remain on HDD?

Ok so basically, I've been using a 2TB HDD for everything since I got my PC over the summer. Recently, I ordered a small 120GB SSD to have windows and a few other programs installed on. However, from what I can tell there seems to be no way to transfer ONLY windows to the SSD, as every tutorial online says it will transfer the whole C drive over. I only want windows to boot from the SSD, but have the default libraries like downloads, pictures, music, documents, etc to remain on the HDD as they were. Is there any easy way to do this?

:)

 

Clean SSD install (Users folders remain on HDD) - help

My desktop has an old SSD (Win10 boot and applications) and HDD for Users files / data.

I am replacing the old SSD with a new one and will do a clean install of Windows10 Home 64bit and all applications.
I will keep my existing Users files data on the HDD.

2 questions:

1. Is it best to disconnect the HDD while doing the SSD clean install and then reconnecting the HDD once Win10 installation is complete?
2. Regarding Users folder on the HDD - what is the best way to instruct Windows that the Users folders will be on the HDD?

1. during installation / setup (eg. using audit mode, registry editor etc), or
2. after the Windows 10 SSD installation is completed and selecting move the location of the users folders within Windows that have been set up to the HDD?

Thanks

 

Changing Boot Drive from HDD to SSD

Trying to understand here.

Do you have Win-10 installed on a HDD and on a SSD?

If so are you asking how to get your system to boot from the SSD opposed the HDD?

If you don't get an option of seeing a boot option at the beginning of the BIOS process {mine is to press ESC to see boot menu] check with the manufacturer. There HAS to be a key which does that.

Another possibility is: If both drives are SATA just switch the cables and reboot.

Check your Configuration file and see if 2 OSs are listed.

As you can see here, I have mine set to dual-boot. Win-10 on a HDD and Win-7 on a SSD.

 

Moved Windows 10 to SSD from HDD, no windows.old file in HDD

One thing to do is make sure the SSD boots without the HDD connected.

It is possible that as part of the clean install to the SSD a windows.old folder is created as the install process will install updates along with the installation. This folder relates to the SSD and not the HDD windows installation.

Id you are happy the SSD boots without the HDD then go ahead and reconnected the HDD and in File Explorer start to delete the files and folders on the HDD. There will be partitions on the HDD that you will not see in File Explorer, they are visible in Disk
Management. Removing those will only free up a small amount of space however.